Tips for healthier nail polish alternatives

Here are the top three ingredients you should avoid when shopping for nail polish:

1. Formaldehyde: Carcinogenic (cancer causing) preservative and is used in nail polish as a nail hardener.

2. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): Carcinogenic binder used to make the nail polish last longer.

3. Toluene: Toxic ingredient (especially dangerous to pregnant women) used to make nail polish smooth and makes it dry more quickly.

Many companies have developed “3 Free” formulations but always read the label on all polishes you buy.  Some polishes that have switched over to a 3 Free formula may still have older product on shelves in stores which still contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.

For more information see the full article here: (*link to article in resource section)

-Andrea Pahr from Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics (www.cheekymonkeycosmetics.com)

3 Free: The healthy side of Nail Polish

Written by: Andrea Pahn of Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics

Ok, there is a lot of scary info out there related to nail polishes which contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. I am not out to write a horror story. I believe that nail polish should instantly perk you up, make your hands look fabulous and- in the case of Cheeky Monkey cosmetics, make you laugh (or at least smile) when you wear it.

There are many websites that will explain the dangers of wearing nail products which contain the awful 3 ingredients.  You must always read the label on all polishes you buy.  Some polishes that have switched over to a 3 Free formula may still have older product on shelves in stores which still contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. I want to tell you in a nutshell what these chemicals do to your body and why you need to avoid them.

Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic  (cancer causing) preservative and is used in nail polish as a nail hardener. It also keeps the polish from chipping.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) acts as a binder to make the nail polish last longer. Phthalates are also known carcinogens, are known to cause birth defects, and damage the reproductive organs.

Toluene makes nail polish smooth and makes it dry quicker. It has also been shown to be toxic to the liver and kidneys. It is especially dangerous to pregnant women because it is transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta and to baby through breast milk.

You must be aware of what you are putting into and onto your body. Never assume that a nail product is free of the 3 nasty ingredients. If you have any question about the age of a polish and whether it contains these ingredients throw it out and start new. You only have one life.  You want to live it to the fullest and look fabulous while you do it, so stay away from polishes that contain Formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. Better yet, go buy yourself a fabulous Cheeky Monkey Nail polish and feel confident that you are getting a 3 Free product that is fabulous and will make you look fab!

Written by:

Andrea Pahn

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics

www.cheekymonkeycosmetics.com